“We are not grant writers”, is a statement heard very often at CREATE Grant Writing workshops and outreach events. In fact, grant writing can be a little intimidating at times for many EMS providers. CREATE staff wants every EMS provider to have an informative grant experience with CREATE, that in many cases can help them better understand grant writing, grant guidelines and eligibility that they may use in other grant program applications. The five “rule of thumb” items listed on this list will help guide you in ensuring your application is clearly communicating and justifying your need to the audience, or in this case, the ERC (Expert Review Committee). Of course this is not a full list of heuristics for grant writing, in fact the list is more comprehensive but this list incorporates excellent support in navigating the CREATE application process successfully to the review stage for non-experienced grant writers who want to make sure they are justifying their need to the review committee effectively. For more ideas to make your grant writing experience impactful, contact CREATE staff at 720.248.2742 or by email at lj@coruralhealth.org.
List of 18 CREATE Heuristic Ideas For Grant Writing:
• Detail all the commitments made by partners.
• Be very specific/detailed/clear/concise in each narrative section of the application
• Present a reasonable strategic timeline and supportive budget with justifications of large reserves explained clearly.
• Allow room for anticipated change – Expect the
unexpected.
• Be consistent with budgeted costs.
• Add in costs to your budget narratives
• Relationship building is what sets winning proposals apart from others.
• Research, Research, Research – cite underlying rational using quantitative data analysis and longitudinal studies.
•Be proactive not reactive.
•Follow grant guidelines – write to the audience.
• Demonstrate passion through authenticity.
• Connect all proposal elements – do not set up the proposal in fragments (Flow).
• Ask yourself and your organizations leadership what is needed to accomplish your goals.
• Have others review your proposal for objective criticism prior to submission.
• After being granted the award, continue communication with the funding source program manager to ensure report deadlines are met and all your questions are answered to ensure a smooth reimbursement
• Keep your proposal simple.
• Read the grant guidelines over and over again to ensure you understand all elements of the grant process and eligibility requirements.
• Ask for help from CREATE staff when things are not clearly understood or guidance is needed. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
